Thatch Covering

For small spans, largely for residential buildings in villages these coverings are provided. Thatch is a roof covering of reeds, straw or similar materials. The thatch is well-soaked in fire or water resisting solution and with their butt ends pointing towards eves packed bundles are laid. Thickness varies from 150 mm to 300 mm. with ropes or twines they are tied to supporting structures. Supporting structure consists of round bamboo rafters spaced at 200 mm to 300 mm over which split bamboos laid at close spacing at right angles. It is claimed that reed thatch may last 50 to 60 years whereas straw thatch may last for 20-25 years.

The advantage of thatch roof is that they are cheap and do not required skilled workers to build them. Disadvantages are they are very weak fire resistant and harbour rats and other insects.